Kicking Off the Post-Labor Day Social Season

Morgan Packard

Although the official end of summer, the autumnal equinox, isn’t until Sept. 22, in terms of the social season, this past Labor Day marked the end of summer as we know it.

It is termed gauche to wear white (though “winter white” is becoming fashionable, I still don’t believe one should wear white shoes after Labor Day ever, but if you’re a bride, you’re exempt), seersucker and white linen (well, wearing linen at all should pretty much be discouraged) after Labor Day. I know that these are old and possibly outdated rules, but there are plenty of hot-weather styles that don’t include the above. On the other hand, there are famous style-makers who never abided by this rule, including Coco Chanel. And since our fair city stays well above the 80-degree mark into October, linen and khaki can be worn past this cut-off made long ago.

In terms of food, there are also many changes that Labor Day heralds. The bad news is that Hansen’s Sno-Bliz traditionally closed on Labor Day; the good news is that it now stays open later! Hansen’s will be open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-7 p.m., until Tuesday, Oct. 1. The other good news is that Casamento’s (now serving chargrilled oysters as well as some of the freshest raw oysters in town, and an amazing oyster loaf, and crab claws and…) will be opening Tuesday, Sept. 10.

In addition to all that, it’s also time for the New Orleans nonprofit gala season to ramp up. Below are just some of the nonprofit events happening from Labor Day through the month of September. While we enjoy these changes and find the right attire for attending a whole bunch of events in the heat, at least we know that cooler weather is on the way, along with a whole new set of rules, openings and events!

about

Morgan Packard may not be a native New Orleanian, but with every passing day New Orleans becomes more her home. Attending Newcomb College and gaining her masters from Tulane University, Packard immersed herself in the culture and peculiarities of the Big Easy, the culmination of which was reached when she joined the staff of Renaissance Publishing in May 2006. You can reach Morgan at (504) 830-7227 or morgan@myneworleans.com.